Juncker Plan: it’s time to use it

“The ‘Juncker plan’ takes away part of the risk and attracts investors into funding projects that otherwise would not be mobilised. Now it’s time to bring forward projects and start using it. The time is right for investing in Europe,” said José Manuel Fernandes MEP, the EPP Group’s main negotiator on the European Fund for Strategic Investments.

Over the next three years, the ‘Juncker plan’ - or European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) - will activate at least €315 billion in private investment, allowing Europe to grow without creating new debt.

“The EPP Group has supported EFSI ever since President Juncker presented it as his first priority. Despite the tough negotiation rounds, I never doubted its success. Now, it’s up to the Member States and all the other eligible entities to propose projects that will benefit Europe. Europe needs more investment, more growth and more jobs and EFSI is an opportunity that cannot be squandered,” added Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP Group responsible for budget and structural policies.

With EFSI in place, the aim is to mobilise €240 billion for infrastructure projects and invest €75 billion into the backbone of our economy: SMEs, as they provide two thirds of the jobs in the private sector and represent 99% of businesses in Europe.

“Politicians don't create jobs, but we can help those who do. This plan has the potential to create more than 1 million new jobs. This is a real opportunity that must not be missed,” concluded José Manuel Fernandes MEP.